Playing in 8-man football, only 16 teams qualify for the post season and the Bobcats are on the verge of making the playoffs.

However, on Friday, the Bobcats dropped a 49-14 decision to Portland St. Patrick.

“Right now we’re on that playoff bubble and I thought we played Portland St. Patrick better this time around,” Bobcat coach Ryan Stephens said. “Both physically and mentally I thought our guys handled the situation better. Portland St. Patrick is a team that could possibly win the state championship this year.”

The Shamrocks scored 21 first quarter points and added 15 more in the second quarter to lead 36-0 at halftime.

In the final two quarters, Burr Oak held a 14-13 advantage.

“I think overall we’ve improved and we rebounded well from that opening half tonight,” Stephens said, noting the team outscored the Shamrocks after halftime. “As a young team, I think we are moving in the right direction and we’re sending the right message to our community.”

Chantz Owens scored both touchdowns on the ground. He finished with eight carries and 150 yards. James Saylor had eight carries for 18 yards.

Defensively, Wendell Hughes led the Bobcats with seven tackles and one pass broken up.

A.J. Johnson, Alex Munoz, Owens and Saylor all had six stops.

Next week, Burr Oak will travel to take on Battle Creek St. Philip. A victory in that game could put them in the playoffs.

“This next week we’re going to work hard in practice and we have to work on stopping the pass,” Stephens said. “St. Phil is a big passing team.”